Above / The park near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion creates the perfect setting for outdoor fundraising events, family reunions and other outings from spring until fall. The Riverwalk is a natural treasure 365 days a year!
Evening UPDATE Oct. 24, 2015 / The winding brick path of the Naperville Riverwalk was aglow with supporters of the Little Friends’ annual Step Up for Autism just as nightfall darkened the city. The one-mile walk, held for the first time in the evening, was organized to shine awareness on autism spectrum disorders, a group of disorders characterized by a wide range of difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
“Did you know?” yard signs provided educational info about Little Friends and autism along the Riverwalk. For instance, in 1980 Little Friends opened a group home for six children with autism, one of the first of its kind in Illinois, and its model became internationally renowned.
Chairman of Little Friends Board of Directors Dan Casey and Mayor Emeritus George Pradel were stationed near the start / finish line which was flanked by florescent pink, orange, green and blue balloon towers. The friendly duo greeted participants while listening to the live music being performed on the entertainment stage.
Certainly mindful of the rainy morning, Casey was delighted to see so many people of all ages enjoying the event.
“It’s turned out to be a great evening,” Casey said.
Click on Event Photo to Enlarge
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Above / Note that before and after the walk, families gathered for activities and fellowship in the large field near the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion where they also listened to a band of entertaining musicians.
Original Post Oct. 24, 2015 / Early on this rainy morning, stages and tents were being set for Step Up and Shine for Autism Walk, slated to begin with registration at 5PM Sat., Oct. 24, at the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion.
For 2015, Little Friends’ annual fun and fundraising event has been moved from early summer to mid-autumn and changed its time from morning to evening, all to add the excitement of a new event.
The 2015 Step Up and Shine For Autism Walk is a 1-mile glow-in-the-dark walk featuring illuminated activities for kids, live music from The Empty Can Band and an assortment of food vendors.
Step off from Riverwalk Grand Pavilion
The location of the event is the part that remains the same. The walk again will step off from the Riverwalk Grand Pavilion where families, friends and teams can register.
Above / Early Saturday morning the entertainment stage was set by the Naperville Park District for Step Up and Shine.
Funds raised will benefit children and adults with autism in this community who are served by Little Friends and the Little Friends’ Center for Autism.
Festivities appropriate for all ages will include a one-mile family-friendly route, a fun-filled Kids’ Area, complete with tattoos, crafts, moon jumps, and live entertainment.
Above / Tents were going up just before noon on Oct. 24, in preparation for the first glow-in-the-dark Step Up for Autism to raise funds and heighten awareness for the programs provided at Little Friends, Inc.
Another added attraction that’s new this year is a selection of food vendors.
Schedule for Step Up and Shine
5:00 PM Registration Begins
5:00 PM Activities and Entertainment
6:15 PM Walk Ceremonial Kick-off
6:30 PM Walk Begins
8:30 PM Walk Festivities Conclude
The skies may have been gray for most of the day, but when individuals and teams gather for this evening’s Step Up and Shine for Autism, spirits will be glowing in the dark for the enjoyment of all.
Walk-ups are welcome!
Did you know Little Friends started in Naperville?
Above / Based in the heart of Naperville, Little Friends aims to empower children and adults who have special challenges to live, learn, work and participate in the community. (PN File Photo/ Spring 2015)
Founded in 1965 and now serving 800 individuals with a wide spectrum of needs, Little Friends is a private, nonprofit organization serving children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Based in Naperville, Little Friends has grown over the past 50 years, now operating 11 dynamic programs including three alternative schools, family support and consultation services, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism.
Naperville loves the Parade of Lights
On Sun., Nov. 29, Little Friends will host the annual Parade of Lights to give the hometown holiday season a bright start. This year’s parade will begin at 5PM, navigating down Jackson Avenue to Main Street, through the heart of downtown; continuing past the Main Street Promenade on Van Buren Avenue, and ending at Naper School on Eagle Street.
Meanwhile, get to know about all the programs at Little Friends, Inc. Thank you very much.
